The PDK Good Neighbor Day Airshow is an annual community event hosted at Peachtree DeKalb Airport (PDK). The event is designed to celebrate aviation, honor the airport’s history, and strengthen the relationship between the airport and the surrounding community. Each year, families, aviation enthusiasts, and visitors from across the region gather to experience thrilling aerial performances, static aircraft displays, educational exhibits, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Good Neighbor Day was created as a way to open the airport to the public and highlight PDK’s role as both a regional aviation hub and a community partner. The airshow provides a unique opportunity for guests to learn about aviation careers, explore historic and modern aircraft, and connect with local organizations.
NAS Atlanta, located in Chamblee, DeKalb County, Georgia, was built on the site of the former World War I Camp John B. Gordon, which trained the men of the 82nd Division, including Sergeant Alvin C. York. After the war, the property was sold at public auction, and in 1940, DeKalb County purchased 300 acres to develop a county airport. Soon after, the U.S. Navy established a Naval Reserve Aviation Base (NRAB) on the site, investing $3 million in construction of fifty permanent buildings, two hangars, and three runways. The base was commissioned by Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox on March 22, 1941.
Initially, NAS Atlanta conducted primary flight training using N3N and Spartan NP biplanes. In 1943, the station’s designation changed to a Naval Air Station, shifting its mission to support the Instrument Flight Instructor School (IFIS), Link Instrument Trainer Instructor School (LITIS), and Control Tower Operators School. The IFIS alone graduated over 3,000 pilots, including Hollywood actor and Marine Aviator Tyrone Power. By September 1945, the station supported over 2,000 personnel and operated a fleet including SNBs, SNJs, and NH-1 Howards.
After World War II, the station reverted to a reserve base. Over the years, it operated a variety of aircraft, including Corsairs, F6Fs, TBMs, and PBYs. Notably, in 1955, an Air Force B-47 mistakenly landed at NAS Atlanta, causing significant runway damage but no injuries. By the late 1950s, high-performance aircraft rendered the runways obsolete, prompting the Navy to consolidate operations at Dobbins AFB in Marietta. NAS Atlanta officially closed on February 26, 1960, and the facility was turned over to DeKalb County, becoming Peachtree-DeKalb Airport (PDK).
Today, PDK is Georgia’s second-busiest airport, handling over 209,000 annual operations and serving general aviation, flight schools, and business aviation. Surviving Navy structures include four hangars and the operations building. The airport’s observation park is a popular community destination, providing families and visitors with a front-row view of daily aviation activity. PDK continues to honor its rich naval and aviation history while supporting modern aviation needs.
What began as a modest community fly-in has grown into one of the region’s most well-attended aviation events. Looking forward, our vision is to build upon that success—expanding the aerial programming and introducing a dedicated STEM and Women in Aviation Expo to inspire students, young professionals, and families.
By strengthening the educational component and enhancing the spectator experience, Good Neighbor Day can serve as a regional model for how aviation events promote awareness, opportunity, and civic engagement.
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